FA releases contents of ‘long letter’ sent by Liverpool on treatment of Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has continued to play for Liverpool this season despite others experiencing a dip in form
Liverpool have written to the Football Association requesting answers on the referees’ treatment of Mohamed Salah during the season.
At the heart of a controversial decision that went unpunished during Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur last month, Salah was dropped by defender Ben Davies but saw no action against the Welshman from Paul Tierney. Spurs then went to the other end of the field and scored, leaving Jurgen Klopp dazed on the touchline.
Liverpool would react immediately to Richarlison’s goal, prompting an emotional goal celebration and controversial post-match comments from Klopp about Tierney’s performance. Hearing his retribution for his actions yesterday afternoon, the Reds boss was fined £75,000 and given a two-match ban by the FA for his comments. Klopp received a similar disciplinary action in October, again caused by an attack on Liverpool No11. The Portuguese midfielder was knocked down by Bernardo Silva in the Reds’ 1-0 win over Manchester City and, curiously, had his tackle ignored by referee Anthony Taylor.
Referring to those incidents, a letter to the FA said: “Liverpool went on to explain their belief that a number of refereeing decisions taken during the season have not treated Salah fairly. at the same time it was clarified that there were no allegations against him.” Mr Tierney, Liverpool, pointed out that the company had been involved in a number of questionable decisions affecting the club. This led to a certain sensitivity towards Mr. Tierney.
Referring to those incidents, a letter to the FA said: “Liverpool have continued to write their letter, explaining their belief that a number of refereeing decisions taken during the season have not treated Salah fairly. ” Whilst clarifying they were not bringing any charges against Mr Tierney, Liverpool stressed the fact that he had been involved in what they considered a series of questionable decisions involving the club. This, he said, had led to a degree of sensitivity towards Mr Tierney.”
He has reportedly been fouled every 98.8 minutes in the Premier League this season, a stat dwarfing Jack Grealish’s figure of 27.2. Asked about Liverpool’s win over Tottenham if that surprised him, Klopp said: “Yes, these stats are amazing. I know [the stats] too. He’s always got the ball at his feet, Mo is a dribbler and scores a insane number.” of goals over the years and it is. How Mo handles all of this, I don’t know.”
“With Silva’s decision being considered and now this infraction, it’s the same penalty. I don’t understand. If nothing happens after that, it’s over, but we concede a goal 35 seconds after this incident.
Also…
Man City dispute their 115 charges – as Premier League barrister is Arsenal fan
Man City have now launched legal challenges against their 115 financial charges, including a dispute over a barrister involved being an Arsenal fan.
In February, Man City were charged by the Premier League for 115 instances of rule breaches, predominantly concerning the club’s finances.
Those allegations have been referred to an independent commission, following a four-year investigation into alleged offences starting from 2009/10.
If found guilty, it has been speculated that Man City could face punishment as severe as expulsion from the Premier League.
The Manchester club have hired Lord Pannick KC as their defence lawyer, with his £10,000-an-hour rates a signal of how seriously the charges are being taken.
On Thursday, the Times‘ Martyn Ziegler reported the first step in their defence, with legal challenges launched.
Man City‘s representatives are said to be “disputing the legality of the investigation and the involvement of the barrister who is in charge of the disciplinary process.”
“City have raised the dispute in relation to recent changes in the Premier League’s rules, arguing that they should not apply to investigations into alleged rule breaches before then,” Ziegler writes.
Most interesting, however, is their exception to Murray Rosen KC, the head of the Premier League’s independent judicial panel, being a known Arsenal supporter.
Man City and Arsenal have been locked in a battle for the Premier League title this season, and the suggestion is that Rosen could, therefore, show bias.
Rosen is responsible for appointing the chair of the disciplinary commission, and under the current rules would be able to appoint himself.
It is explained that Man City‘s challenges are “likely to cause a further delay to the outcome of the case,” with it already predicted that it could take up to four years to conclude.
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In 2020, a proposed two-year ban from European competition following a similar investigation by UEFA was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as it was ruled that some of the charges were time-barred.
Man City appointed two of the three members on the CAS panel, including its chairman, with a majority of 2:1 voting in their favour.
While it remains to be seen whether similar is possible with the Premier League‘s case, it is worth noting that Man City were not found innocent.
Simply, the UEFA investigation and proceeding case took too long, with breaches against Financial Fair Play unable to be prosecuted after five years.
Shortly after Man City were charged by the Premier League, Pep Guardiola claimed that the other 19 clubs in the English top flight had fuelled the case.
“They open a precedent right now,” he warned. “What they have done to us, be careful for the future.”